In late April 2025, Des Plaines, Illinois, became the center of public intrigue as local police conducted a multi-day investigation at a residence on the 100 block of N. Warrington Road.
With the Cook County Major Case Assistance Team, authorities described the operation involving backyard excavation as a “follow-up investigation” related to an “old case.”
Despite the significant police presence and extensive search, officials emphasized that they were not searching for a body and that there was no threat to the public.
Could it be Gacy?
In the meantime, the lack of specific information from law enforcement led to widespread speculation, particularly on social media platforms. Many users theorized a connection to John Wayne Gacy. Gacy was a notorious serial killer who was arrested in 1978 for the murders of 33 young men and boys. Gacy buried many of his victims beneath his home in unincorporated Norwood Park Township, near Des Plaines.
Gacy’s crimes have left a lasting impact on the area. For this reason, any significant police activity tends to revive public interest and concern.
“It’s scary. How did they come to the conclusion it was this? They musta got some lead that brought them here,” Jeanette Sedano, who lives nearby, told ABC 7 Chicago.
“You see all this activity, the crime scene tape, bringing in equipment,” neighbor Irma Dzik added.
Reports emerged about the criminal history of a man who recently lived at the Warrington Road residence. Authorities have not confirmed any connection between this individual and the current investigation.
The Robert Piest disappearance
#OTD in 1978, police search the home of John Wayne Gacy.
— Kori Rumore Finley (@rumormill) December 14, 2020
They discover a receipt for a roll of film that's tied to missing Maine West sophomore Robert Piest.
Follow the investigation, conviction and execution of Gacy, and the efforts to name the victims:https://t.co/W4H5LUu2cj pic.twitter.com/6VU88uLgq7
While the Des Plaines Police Department has not provided further details, the nature of the investigation nature and the location have inevitably drawn comparisons to a Gacy case.
In 1978, the disappearance of 15-year-old Robert Piest led Des Plaines police to investigate Gacy. That investigation ultimately uncovered evidence that resulted in his arrest and the discovery of his numerous victims.
Gacy’s former residence, which was demolished in 1979 is not the same property under investigation. A new home was built on the site in the 1980s
The recent investigation underscores the enduring legacy of Gacy’s crimes in Des Plaines and the public’s sensitivity to potential connections.
As of now, authorities have not indicated any direct link between the current case and Gacy. For now, the community awaits further information to clarify the situation
Published: May 2, 2025 12:34 pm